Parquet panel covering

ABSTRACT

To obtain a covering on a supporting structure that has a visual appearance that varies with the angle of light from a light source impinging on the covering, there are provided parquet blocks having reference edges and top surfaces with geometric forms in parallel relationship extending to a higher elevation than the block&#39;s adjacent surface portions and extending at angles relative to the reference edges that varies from that of other blocks. The parquet blocks in plan view may be of varying shapes such as rectangular, triangular, etc. while the geometric forms may be, for example, any one of parallel ridges, lands between parallel slots, rows of selected shapes in linearly spaced, linear alignment, etc. Indicia may be provided on the blocks together with a chart having markings facilitate selecting and adhering the blocks to the supporting structure to obtain the desired pattern.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention pertains to a covering for floors, walls and other surfaces. More particularly, this invention relates to providing a covering that has a visual effect that varies with the angle of light impinging thereon. The prior art includes providing blocks or panels having smooth top surfaces with the orientation of the design on the top surfaces of at least some of the adjacent blocks being at different angles. Such prior art structures do not provide differences in shading of some of the blocks relative to others with the angle from the source light that impinges on the blocks varying.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The covering of this invention may be made of parquet blocks wherein the block material may be composed of any one of a number of different materials, for example carpet, wood, ceramic, vinyl or metal. The blocks in plan view may be of any one of a number of geometric shapes, for example squares, triangles, hexagons, rectangles, squares, triangles, hexagons or rectangles. The top of each block has top surface portions of varying elevations as a result of providing geometric forms, for example such as ridges, squares, triangles, ovals, hexagons or rectangles with the forms being in generally parallel relationship. Desirably, each block is provided with more than one geometric form of the same shape in a preselected orientation relative to one another and extending to a different elevation than adjacent parts of the block. Sets of blocks have the orientation of the geometric forms arranged at different preselected angles, for example the form orientations of different sets of blocks being arranged at different specific angles such as ten degree increments. The geometric forms extend across at least major part of the top surface of the block. The parquet blocks may be adhered to a supporting surface in various selected patterns with the visual appearance of the pattern varying with the angle of light from a light source impinging on the top surface.

[0003] An object of this invention is to provide new and novel blocks adherable or mountable to a base (supporting surface) in selected patterns to have a visual impression which varies with the angle of light impinging on the block pattern. In furtherance of the last mentioned objective, it is another object of this invention to provide blocks of lustrous material with grooves to provide visual effects that vary with the angle of light from a light source impinging thereon. Another object of this invention is to provide new and novel parquet blocks adherable or mountable to supporting structure to provide a pattern whereby as the angle of light impinging on the pattern, some areas of the pattern appear lighter and other areas appear darker and then as the angle changes, the lighter areas appear darker and the darker areas appear lighter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an array of parquet blocks of the first embodiment with the increment angles of the ridges of adjacent blocks being of about 10 degree and there being progressively increased shading on the blocks both to the left and right of the third block from the left when the source of light is in a vertical plane parallel to the ridges;

[0005]FIG. 2 is an array similar to that of FIG. 1 other the source of light impinges thereon at about a right angle to that shown in FIG. 1 wherein the shading decreases both to the left and right of the third block from left;

[0006]FIG. 3 is bottom view of one of the parquet blocks of the first embodiment;

[0007]FIG. 4 is a fragmentary plan view of a pattern with the first embodiment of parquet blocks being shown by dotted lines and the angle of orientation of the geometric forms on the blocks relative to their reference edges being represented by solid lines and with an intermediate portion of the pattern being broken away;

[0008]FIG. 5 a fragmentary view of a chart used in laying out the pattern of FIG. 4;

[0009]FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a parquet block of the first embodiment that is taken in a vertical plane parallel to the direction of the extension of the ridges;

[0010]FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a parquet block of the first embodiment that is taken in a vertical plane perpendicular to the direction of the extension of the ridges;

[0011]FIG. 8 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a plurality of parquet blocks with geometric forms thereon different from that of the parquet blocks of FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 9 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a plurality of parquet blocks of a different shape from that of FIG. 1 and having a geometric forms thereon that differ from those of the first and second embodiments;

[0013]FIG. 10 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a parquet block made of a lustrous material and the grain being diagrammatically represented by an arrow;

[0014]FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view that is generally taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows 11-11 of FIG. 10; and

[0015]FIG. 12 is a plan view of the fifth embodiment of a parquet block made of a lustrous material and the grain being diagrammatically represented by an arrow.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Each parquet block B of the first embodiment of the invention has a top surface of varying elevations to provide ornamental geometric forms F which comprise a plurality of ridges or flat upper surfaces 20 that extend generally parallel relative to one another. Thus, the ridges or flat upper surfaces have crests or lands 20A that are at a higher elevation than the troughs 20B between the ridges, i.e. the crests being at a higher elevation than the adjacent trough surface portions. As one example, the difference in the elevation of the crest relative to the trough of the ridge may be a tenth of an inch, but may be greater or smaller, depending on the desired shading effects to be obtained with the variation of the angle of light from a source of light that impinges on the blocks. The bottom surface 23 of each block may be provided with a self adhesive covered by a release paper 28 that is removed prior to laying the block on the support surface, or if not provided with a bottom surface having a self adhesive thereon, then a suitable adhesive may be used to adhere the block to the supporting surface 26.

[0017] In order to provide a pattern (design) on supporting structure 26 (for example a floor, wall, the ground, item of furniture, etc.) having a visual appearance that varies with the variance of angle of light impinging on the pattern on the supporting structure, there is provided a plurality of sets of blocks B with the angle of orientation of the ornamental geometric forms F of each set relative to their reference edges E of each set being at different angles. There is provided an array of blocks with the angle of orientation of the ornamental forms varying in increments from 0 degrees to 180 degrees relative to reference edges E of the blocks, FIG. 1 showing an array of blocks 1 through 12 with the angle of variation being in ten degree increments from only 70 degrees to 180 degrees and the reference edges being in the same vertical plane. It is to be understood that increment of variation may be other than 10 degrees. It is to be understood that the number N on the blocks of different sets of blocks of the array of blocks could be 1 through 18 if orientation of forms on adjacent blocks varied by ten degree increment indicated in FIG. 1, it being noted that there is shown only one block of each set. In FIG. 5, the reference number 0 indicates a 60 degree angle of orientation of forms. Desirably, the numbers N are provided on the bottom surfaces or on an edge of each block.

[0018] With the light from the source of light downwardly impinging on the array of blocks of FIG. 1 at an angle, indicated by arrow 21 as generally shining in a direction from block edges G toward edges E, in a vertical plane generally parallel to the direction of extension of the ridges of block 3 and the angle being less than 90 degrees relative to the bottom surfaces 23 of the blocks, there is a progressively greater degree of block top surface shading (less reflection of light) in the direction from block 3 to block 12 and also in the opposite direction from block 3 toward block 1 as a result of the crests (or flat upper surfaces) being at a higher elevation than the troughs. Further, if the angle indicated by arrow 21 from 90 degrees in the direction of arc 22 or in the opposite direction of arc 24 from 90 degrees, there is greater top surface shading of blocks in a direction away from block 3. On the other hand, if the downwardly impinging of light on the array of blocks in the direction of arrow 29 is at an angle in a plane generally perpendicular to the direction of extension of the ridges of block 3 with the angle being less than 90 degrees relative to the bottom surface of block 3, there is progressively less block top surface shading (greater reflection of light) in the direction from block 12 to block 3 and lesser shading from block 3 toward block 1. Further, if the light angle indicated by arrow 29, other than 90 degrees, varies in the direction of arc 30 or in the opposite direction of arc 31 from 90 degrees, there is greater block top surface shading along the array of blocks from block 12 to block 3. It is to noted if the downwardly impinging of light on the blocks is at 90 degrees relative to the array bottom surfaces, there will be no variation of shading such as indicated above but as the angle of impinging of light on the array more nearly approaches being parallel to plane of the array bottom surfaces, the greater the degree of shading other than for the block that has ridges that are parallel to the vertical plane extending to the source of light. Thus, assuming sunlight impinges on the blocks, the pattern of shading will vary from sunrise to sunset with the highest contrast being at sunrise and sunset. Also, there would be a variance with the seasons with the greatest difference in shading (different areas of the pattern being highlighted) being at the summer and winter solstices while the fall and spring equinox would give relatively the same visual image. The sunrise and sunset during the rest of the year impinges on the pattern at variable angles that provide variable visual impressions with the changes of the angles. Further, even it sunlight does not impinge on the blocks, as one varies their position relative to an array of blocks such as shown in FIG. 1, the pattern of shading visualized will vary.

[0019] Taking advantage of the difference of shading obtained with an array of blocks such as shown in FIG. 1, one can provide a pattern P of shading by laying the selected blocks such as shown in FIG. 4. The general angle of orientation of the forms F on the blocks adhered to the supporting structure 25 is represented by the solid lines 27 in FIG. 4.

[0020] To facilitate laying the blocks in the desired pattern, there is provided a chart C with marking thereon which advantageously shows the rows of block and includes indicia such as shown in FIG. 5 indicating the arrangement of blocks with the desired orientation of geometric forms thereon that are to be adhered to the supporting surface. The reference edges of the blocks are arranged to be in a preselected orientation to an edge of the chart C. Assuming that there are sets of blocks corresponding to the array shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, then the number N of the bottom surface of the blocks corresponds to the angle of orientation of the forms F of the top surface of the respective block. The numbers appearing on the chart correspond to the blocks having the desired angle of orientation of geometric forms thereon to provide the desired pattern. Thus, the numbers shown in FIG. 5 correspond to the number of the blocks as set forth in FIG. 1 that are used to obtain the pattern P of FIG. 4. Advantageously, one of the edges of the blocks is considered as a reference edge E and may be provided with appropriate indicia to facilitate orienting the blocks in appropriate direction relative to the supporting surface prior to adhering the blocks to the supporting surface 25. The indicia used can be other than the numbers shown in the drawings and normally would not be provided on the top surfaces of the parquet blocks. Even though FIG. 4 shows numbers on the blocks, it is to be understood that usually no such numbers would be provided on the top surfaces of the blocks that are adhered to the supporting structure 25.

[0021] With reference to each of the embodiments described herein, the material used in making the blocks can be, for example carpet, ceramic, vinyl, concrete or other materials wherein the geometric forms are generally in parallel linearly oriented rows and are at or extend to a higher elevation than the adjacent part of the top surface of the block. By arranging the blocks of selected angles of orientation of geometric forms, a pattern can be developed to create a design on a floor, wall or other supporting surfaces. The parquet blocks of appropriate material can be used in airport concourses, shopping malls, etc and if desired, by selecting the appropriate pattern, the blocks can be arranged on a supporting surface to provide a directional pathway. That is, a number of blocks having the same angle orientation can be adhered to a supporting surface in transverse abutting relationship, for example use blocks 3 in transverse and longitudinal abutting relationship if the pathway is straight ahead. On either transverse side of the straight ahead part of the pathway, blocks having different angles of orientation than blocks 3 would be on transverse opposite sides of the blocks 3 forming the straight ahead part of the pathway.

[0022] Where the pathway turns, blocks with different angles of orientation of geometric forms can be used to extend across the rest of the transverse width of the pathway and progressively further transversely offset in the direction of the turn to form a continuation of the straight ahead portion of the pathway. Blocks having angles of orientation of geometric forms different from those used for the turning portion of the pathway are adhered to the supporting surface on each transverse side of the turning portion of the pathway.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown geometric forms other than ridges F that can used and that rows of blocks vertical above one another do not have to be transversely offset such as shown in FIG. 4. That is, in the second embodiment of FIG. 8, the geometric forms 33 on the blocks, generally designated 35, in plan view are of hexagonal shapes. The forms 33 extend to a higher elevation than the adjacent surrounding block surface part 37. Each block includes a plurality of linear rows of hexagonal forms 33 thereon, there being several forms 33 in each row. The forms in each row extend across the major portion of the block even thoughs the forms in each row are linearly spaced from one another. The angles of orientation of the rows of forms 33 may be varied from block to block or of the same orientation with the adjacent blocks. Thus, blocks with geometric forms in linear rows of geometric forms at angles of the rows of other blocks being of varying orientation may be adhered to the supporting surface to provide the desired pattern. Further, the blocks in vertically adjacent rows of blocks as shown in the drawings can be transversely offset as shown in FIG. 4, or vertically aligned such as shown in FIG. 8.

[0024] Even though the parquet blocks of the first and second embodiment are shown as being square, it is to be understood the blocks in plan view could be of other shapes, for example triangular, rectangular, hexagonal or other geometric shapes. As shown in FIG. 9, the third embodiment parquet blocks, generally designated 40, in plan view are hexagonal. Each of the blocks 40 has a plurality of generally parallel rows of oval shaped geometric forms 41 thereon that extend to a higher elevation than the adjacent top surface portions surrounding the ovals. There are several ovals in each row with the ovals in each row being in generally linear alignment. There can be provided sets of blocks with the blocks of each set having rows of geometric forms thereon at different angles of orientation relative to a reference edge than the rows of the ovals of others sets of blocks, for example such as set forth relative to the first embodiment.

[0025] Lustrous materials (one having grains) such as wood, textiles, metals, etc, visually appear to be their brightest when the grain is perpendicular to the light source. Parquet blocks having normal surfaces, ones without grains, such as painted sources are unaffected by the direction of light impinging on the blocks.

[0026] The parquet blocks of the fourth and fifth embodiments, respectively generally designated 50 and 51 are made of lustrous material and even though the grain is not shown in FIGS. 10 and 12 respectively, the general direction of the grain is indicated by the double arrow 52 for each of these embodiments. The block 50 is provided with a plurality of parallel grooves 43 extending across the entire block. The bottom of the grooves, which are shown in FIG. 11 as being rectangular in transverse cross section, are at a lower elevation than the top surface lands (geometric forms) 44 of the block 50. Each groove extends between adjacent lands. When the vertical plane of the direction from which the light that impinges on the block emanates from a light source is parallel to the grain and the grooves 43, the grooves are filled with light and will be at their brightest while the top surface between the grooves would be at their normal illumination. On the other hand, when the vertical plane of the direction from which the light that impinges on the block emanates is perpendicular to the grain and the grooves 43, the grooves are filled with shadows and will be at their darkest while the top surface between the grooves would be at their brightest and giving the maximum luster.

[0027] The blocks 50 would have distinct bright and dark areas, the degree of brightness and darkness depending upon the angle of light from the light source impinging on the blocks. This gives unique and subtle effects as the dark areas produced by the shadows in the grooves would be a simple lowering of illumination while the brighter areas of luster would be in the particular color spectrum of the material being used (wood, textile, metal, etc.) specifically emphasizing that color. That is, as the angle of the light source impinging on the block 50 becomes more nearly perpendicular to the direction of extension of the grooves 43, the greater the amount of shadows in the grooves. The amount of shadows in the grooves in part depends on the depth of the grooves and the angle of the light impinging on the grooves.

[0028] A lustrous material with grooves 45 at 90 degrees relative to the grain such as indicated in FIG. 12 would give a different effect from that with the fourth embodiment. The bottom of the grooves 45 are at a lower elevation than the lands 47 with the grooves extending between adjacent lands 47. When the grooves 45 are parallel with the light source, the grooves would be filled with light and at their brightest while the grain (top surface 47) would display maximum luster. When the grooves 45 are perpendicular relative to the light source, grooves would be full of shadows and their darkness while the top surface 47 would be at normal illumination. This would give maximum differential to the light/dark areas of the design.

[0029] As to each of the fourth and fifth embodiments, there may be provided a plurality of sets of blocks, each of the sets having the groves extending at a different angle of inclination relative to the reference edges 48 and 49 respectively and extending across the blocks. Thus, there may be provided a set of blocks corresponding to each of the sets of the first embodiment, indicia (not shown) on the back surface of each of the blocks and a chart such as indicated relative to FIG. 5 for obtaining the desired pattern (design) on the supporting surface. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A plurality of sets of parquet blocks with each block including a reference edge, a top surface having top surface portions and a plurality of geometric forms in generally parallel relationship extending to a higher elevation than the adjacent top surface portions, each set of blocks having the geometric forms extending at a preselected angle relative to its reference edge at a different angle than the angles of extension of the geometric forms of blocks of other sets.
 2. The sets of parquet blocks of claim 1 wherein the geometric forms comprise generally parallel ridges extending across the blocks.
 3. The sets of parquet blocks of claim 1 wherein the geometric forms of each block are in generally parallel rows with a plurality of geometric forms in each row.
 4. The sets of parquet blocks of claim 1 wherein the blocks are made of a lustrous material having a grain extending in a given direction, the top surface portion comprising parallel grooves that are generally parallel to the given direction and the geometric forms comprising lands with the grooves extending between the lands.
 5. The sets of parquet blocks of claim 1 wherein the blocks are made of a lustrous material having a grain extending in a given direction, the top surface portion comprising parallel grooves that are generally perpendicular to the given direction and the geometric forms comprising lands with the grooves extending between the lands.
 6. The sets of parquet blocks of claim 1 wherein the blocks of each set of blocks have indicia thereon that is different from the indicia on other sets of blocks.
 7. The sets of parquet blocks of claim 6 in combination of a chart having a design thereon, the chart having markings thereon corresponding to the block indicia to facilitate selecting blocks to be used to obtain the desired design.
 8. For being adhered to a supporting surface and providing a visual appearance that varies with the variation of the angle of light impinging thereon, a plurality of parquet blocks, each block having a bottom surface, a top surface and a reference edge, the top surface of each block top surface in part being defined by a plurality of raised geometric forms and in part by lower surface portions adjacent to the raised surface portions, each block having a plurality of raised geometric forms extending generally parallel relative to one another and at a preselected angle relative to the block's reference edge, the preselected angle of geometric forms of some of the blocks being different from that of other blocks whereby, with the reference edges of blocks being the same relative to the angle of light impinging thereon, there is a variation of degree of reflection of light.
 9. The parquet blocks of claim 8 wherein the geometric forms on each block are ridges extending generally parallel relative to one another.
 10. The parquet blocks of claim 8 wherein therein the geometric forms are arranged in a plurality of generally linear rows of geometric form with the rows being in parallel relationship and there are a plurality of geometric forms in each row in linear spaced relationship to one another.
 11. A method of making a covering for a supporting structure that has varying visual effects as the angle of light from a light source impinging on the covering varies, the steps of providing a plurality of sets of parquet blocks with the block of each set having a reference edge, a top surface with geometric forms thereon extending to a higher elevation than adjacent top surface portion and being in generally linear parallel relationship and the blocks in each set having geometric forms extending at a different angle relative to their reference edge than the blocks of other sets, providing a chart having markings thereon to indicate which set of blocks that blocks are to be selected from to obtain the desired pattern and adhering blocks on the supporting structure in an arrangement corresponding to the markings depicted on the chart.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the angle of extension of geometric forms of the blocks of each set varies at about ten degree increments from that of other sets. 